From Burnout to Balance: the Birth of Cove Telehealth for Women

By Founder, Owner, and Nurse Practitioner Adrienne Garbarino

My journey to creating Cove Telehealth for Women is deeply personal. After years of feeling disheartened by traditional healthcare and struggling with my own health challenges, I knew there had to be a better way. This is the story of how I found it—and how I’m now helping other women do the same.

Curiosity to Calling

Since I was a kid, I’ve been fascinated by how the body works. My curiosity started on fishing trips with my dad, where I’d dissect the fish we caught just to see what was going on inside. Fast forward to high school anatomy class—dissecting a rat senior year? Absolutely loved it. I even got “in trouble” in the lab one day because I finished early and kept exploring. I just couldn’t help myself! (Sorry, not sorry, Mrs. Teacher.)

My Journey into Women’s Health

After graduating from Auburn University with a degree in nursing, I began my career as a labor and delivery nurse. Helping women through one of the most intense, vulnerable, and beautiful moments of their lives was incredibly rewarding. The trust and connection we built in such a short time meant everything to me. But night shifts and the hospital environment? Not so much. I knew the physical and emotional toll wasn’t sustainable for me long-term.

So, I went back to school, earned my Nurse Practitioner degree, and set my sights on building lasting relationships with women in a clinic setting.

Disillusioned with “The System”

But here’s the thing—working in traditional healthcare quickly left me feeling disillusioned. The rushed appointments, the lack of time to really listen and teach, and the fact that insurance dictated so much of what we could do? It wasn’t what I envisioned. I bounced around jobs for the next decade, trying to find one that aligned with my values and the care I wanted to provide. Spoiler alert: I didn’t find it.

Where It Gets Personal

In 2020, my life changed completely. At 35 I had my first child (hello, “advanced maternal age”—thanks for that, medical world). A global pandemic hit. And my sweet baby? Let’s just say he had a lot of big feelings about feeding, sleeping, and just...existing.

It was overwhelming. My body, already managing fatigue, headaches, and low thyroid issues, was pushed past its breaking point. Postpartum hit me like a truck. I didn’t recognize myself.

I was angry all the time, and I couldn’t control it. My brain felt foggy and unreliable. Hot flashes and night sweats soaked the sheets, so even if my baby wasn’t waking me up, I still wasn’t sleeping. I was exhausted—physically, mentally, emotionally.

When I reached out for help, I got the standard offerings: antidepressants and birth control. Guess what? They didn’t help. I knew I needed a different approach.

Taking Back My Health

I’d been introduced to functional medicine during a previous job, so I knew there was another way. I searched for a provider who could help me but struggled to find someone who truly understood me. So, I dove into hormone education, gut health, and a modern approach to thyroid and inflammation issues. Bit by bit, I started feeling like myself again.

The Birth of Cove Telehealth for Women

That experience lit a fire in me. I knew I had to change my life—not just for me, but for all the women out there struggling to find the care they deserve.

I took a huge leap of faith, left what had been the best job I’d ever had, and started Cove Telehealth for Women. As cheesy as it sounds, I finally feel aligned with my calling. I have the freedom to care for myself again, and I absolutely love building meaningful relationships with my patients. Together, we’re getting healthier, stronger, and more empowered.

Let’s Get You Feeling Like You Again

If any of this resonates with you, I’d love to connect. Let’s find your path to feeling like you again—because you deserve it.